FAA to Finally Reconsider its Takeoff and Landing Electronics Ban

The FAA today said it would revisit the question of whether devices such as iPads, laptop computers, and other gizmos pose a flight hazard when the plane is below 10,000 feet and where experts have cautioned that interference from the devices could pose a safety risk.

Maybe Alec Baldwin_ should_ run for office: The government apparently does care if he—and thousands of others—are inconvenienced by the current in-flight ban on the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing.

The FAA today said it would revisit the question of whether devices such as iPads, laptop computers, and other gizmos pose a flight hazard when the plane is below 10,000 feet and where experts have cautioned that interference from the devices could pose a safety risk.

The announcement—which also said the FAA could convene a panel of experts this fall to study the issue—was expected. The current ban was established long before cell phones and tablets became indispensable to our survival. “With so many different types of devices available, we recognize that this is an issue of consumer interest,” DOT secretary Ray LaHood said.

But he also cautioned that “safety is our highest priority, and we must set appropriate standards as we help the industry consider when passengers can use the latest technologies safely during a flight.”

Whatever the outcome, the use of cell phones for voice communications in-flight—at any stage of the journey—will remain forbidden, La Hood said.

But you can sound off to the FAA if you want—the agency will start accepting comments later this week at FAA.gov, and any member of the public can give the agency an earful. But don't expect quick action. On the contrary, when federal agencies set up a committee to study something, it’s usually the kiss of death. Today’s announcement said that the still-to-be-formed committee would have six months to consider various issues, such as standards for testing the devices…and that’s just the beginning of the process.